Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
It is important to be "established" if you belong to God. Your family, your neighbors, your friends might think you are not of God. None of this matters. What matters is you have to know WHOM you believe.
Nor does it matter if others think you are of God. You have to know.
You have to be "established" by God, between you and HIM. That matters.
Paul said: But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. I Cor. 4
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. II Tim. 1
There were people in Paul's day who did not think Paul was an apostle. We see this by what Paul wrote.
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. I Cor. 9
Things happen to discourage us and to pull us away.
We cannot go by emotion, by how we feel.
We have to go by that which God says, especially what God says in the Holy Scripture.
all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
When we are discouraged or when evil men and seducers would pull us away from the way of God, we must just sit down with scripture in front of us and purpose to believe that scripture, knowing it is inspired by God.
We must not go by the way we feel.
=================================
(Providing daily encouragement for the body of Christ by the Spirit of God to help the church in the end times.)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Healing
Renee Bonfield ... evangelist
On March 30, 2012 While at my Cardiologyst's
office, my doctor asked me how I found out that I had breast
cancer. (He is a Jewish doctor) He asked if I felt a lump.
I said no. I had a dream showing me that I had cancer, and I told
him my dream. Then he said "You'd better forget about
your dreams." I replied "No, I can't do that."
Today I had another appointment with my
cardiologyst. I told him that I no longer have Fibromyalgia. He
looked amazed and asked how I got rid of it. I said "I had
a miraculous healing." Then he said you must have just been thinking positive thoughts. Then I said," No, it
was God who healed me."
Taking thoughts captive
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
A woman in our church group couldn't seem to get back on her feet after a wedding that she went to the first of this month. Day by day, I would speak with her by phone. Finally, I began slipping away. I was reminded of Mt. 25:
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Mt. 25
Each of us want to help the other person when we see need. But each of us also have to go to God and be established by God. And if we let that which God speaks slip, or if we handle the word given us by God in an incorrect manner, we will get weaker and weaker. We bring "damnation" upon ourselves when we do this, failing to partake of HIS body and HIS blood correctly. For the word given us is "The Lord's Supper".
The following does not pertain to crackers and grape juice. The following pertains to eating and drinking the word of God (the body and blood of Jesus Christ) correctly.
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (examine yourselves by the word of God making needed corrections in your life by the word of God) 29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Cor. 11
When we see one among us slipping, and we reach out to help, but that person just keeps slipping, we have to let go at some point otherwise we will go over the cliff with him. It is up to each one of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2
Each of us have to build our faith in God by considering that which God has done for us and what the Word says to us.
We have to reject lying vanities which come in the form of thoughts. We cling to the truth in the issues at hand.
If we do opposite, we will be swept away.
Paul said:
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I Cor. 9
I suspect it is difficult for us to imagine that the apostle Paul could have been a castaway ... But Paul knew he could be a castaway even after preaching to others. Therefore he said he had to "keep under his body and bring it into subjection" ... we have to deal with destructive thoughts properly.
A few days ago, I had a very strong destructive thought come to my mind. The thought was opposite to what the Bible says. But the thought seemed very real. (lying vanity)
I took a couple of scriptures and saw they were opposite to that thought and I chose to believe the scripture and cast aside the thought which was opposite to the scripture. (now I can't even remember what the lying vanity was)
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. Jonah 2:8
Each of us have to take thoughts captive. Paul explained:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Cor. 10
The Bible tells us the truth. The Holy Scriptures are inspired by God. You can compare the lying vanity to the Holy Scriptures and you should be able to see the truth in the matter at hand. Then you choose to believe what the Bible says about the issue at hand. Thus you reestablish yourself by the word of God
Each of us must do this for ourselves continually ... bringing into captivity every thought ... to the obedience of the Word of God. No one can do this for us. We must do it for ourselves.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Roman 12
==============================
A woman in our church group couldn't seem to get back on her feet after a wedding that she went to the first of this month. Day by day, I would speak with her by phone. Finally, I began slipping away. I was reminded of Mt. 25:
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Mt. 25
Each of us want to help the other person when we see need. But each of us also have to go to God and be established by God. And if we let that which God speaks slip, or if we handle the word given us by God in an incorrect manner, we will get weaker and weaker. We bring "damnation" upon ourselves when we do this, failing to partake of HIS body and HIS blood correctly. For the word given us is "The Lord's Supper".
The following does not pertain to crackers and grape juice. The following pertains to eating and drinking the word of God (the body and blood of Jesus Christ) correctly.
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (examine yourselves by the word of God making needed corrections in your life by the word of God) 29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Cor. 11
When we see one among us slipping, and we reach out to help, but that person just keeps slipping, we have to let go at some point otherwise we will go over the cliff with him. It is up to each one of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2
Each of us have to build our faith in God by considering that which God has done for us and what the Word says to us.
We have to reject lying vanities which come in the form of thoughts. We cling to the truth in the issues at hand.
If we do opposite, we will be swept away.
Paul said:
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I Cor. 9
I suspect it is difficult for us to imagine that the apostle Paul could have been a castaway ... But Paul knew he could be a castaway even after preaching to others. Therefore he said he had to "keep under his body and bring it into subjection" ... we have to deal with destructive thoughts properly.
A few days ago, I had a very strong destructive thought come to my mind. The thought was opposite to what the Bible says. But the thought seemed very real. (lying vanity)
I took a couple of scriptures and saw they were opposite to that thought and I chose to believe the scripture and cast aside the thought which was opposite to the scripture. (now I can't even remember what the lying vanity was)
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. Jonah 2:8
Each of us have to take thoughts captive. Paul explained:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Cor. 10
The Bible tells us the truth. The Holy Scriptures are inspired by God. You can compare the lying vanity to the Holy Scriptures and you should be able to see the truth in the matter at hand. Then you choose to believe what the Bible says about the issue at hand. Thus you reestablish yourself by the word of God
Each of us must do this for ourselves continually ... bringing into captivity every thought ... to the obedience of the Word of God. No one can do this for us. We must do it for ourselves.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Roman 12
==============================
Preserved by God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. II Samuel 8:6
That word "preserve" means to keep us from ruin and to keep us for future use.
Sometimes God preserves us by causing men to think less of us ... by reducing our reputation among men. I've had this happen twice that I know of. God has given me a message that the masses of church people despised. By reducing my reputation, I see now that God was keeping me safe. Had I continued being "popular" I could have been swept away as I see other ministers being swept away today in their "fame".
Pam worked at Fed Ex. At one point she was given the option to work directly for officers of the corporation and keep the job level she was at, or be demoted to a lower job level. She prayed and considered this and chose to be demoted.
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Tim. 6
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mt. 16:26
============================
And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. II Samuel 8:6
That word "preserve" means to keep us from ruin and to keep us for future use.
Sometimes God preserves us by causing men to think less of us ... by reducing our reputation among men. I've had this happen twice that I know of. God has given me a message that the masses of church people despised. By reducing my reputation, I see now that God was keeping me safe. Had I continued being "popular" I could have been swept away as I see other ministers being swept away today in their "fame".
Pam worked at Fed Ex. At one point she was given the option to work directly for officers of the corporation and keep the job level she was at, or be demoted to a lower job level. She prayed and considered this and chose to be demoted.
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Tim. 6
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mt. 16:26
============================
Turn to God ... Ask HIM
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
While reading the promises God has given us here, I stopped and examined myself. Am I turning to God, asking Him about each matter, seeking to know His will on each matter? Although we have these promises from God, our minds can really jump into action and try to come up with "answers". Before we know it, we're trying to work things out ourselves instead of turning to God. Such a hard way to go, and dangerous as well, since we don't know what is truly best for us as God does.
Other promises from God I was reminded of while thinking about this ...
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
God wants us to ask and seek of Him, believing He will answer us, that we might have the wealth of HIS wisdom, guidance, and provision as we walk on this earth.
======================================================================
Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
While reading the promises God has given us here, I stopped and examined myself. Am I turning to God, asking Him about each matter, seeking to know His will on each matter? Although we have these promises from God, our minds can really jump into action and try to come up with "answers". Before we know it, we're trying to work things out ourselves instead of turning to God. Such a hard way to go, and dangerous as well, since we don't know what is truly best for us as God does.
Other promises from God I was reminded of while thinking about this ...
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
God wants us to ask and seek of Him, believing He will answer us, that we might have the wealth of HIS wisdom, guidance, and provision as we walk on this earth.
======================================================================
Friday, June 29, 2012
Helping
Pam Padgett
Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
As I read about the Samaritan who helped the man who had been left half dead by thieves, it stood out to me that the injured man came across the Samaritan's path. As he journeyed, he saw the injured man, had compassion on him, and helped him. He hadn't set out to find someone to help, but when someone came across his path who genuinely needed help, he helped him. The injured man also came across the path of the priest and the Levite, but they did not help him, not loving their neighbor as themselves.
Before I retired, each year in late November and early December most people I worked with would look for "needy" people they could "help" by buying Christmas gifts for them. As I saw the various activities (finding "needy" people, collecting money, finding out what the needy people wanted, shopping, wrapping the gifts), it all seemed hard and wrong. I tried to stay as far away from these activities as I could, but was still aware of them. Sometimes I heard things that showed one of the fruits of what was being done was greed. Although these people were trying to do good, I believe these things were actually foolish and evil.
One year while these activities were going on at work, a widow who lives across the street asked me to drive her to have out-patient hand surgery. It was no problem for me to do this. Knowing it would probably be hard for her to cook for a day or two after the surgery, I also asked if she would like to come to my house to eat or I could bring food to her house. As I quietly went about doing these things, while at the same time seeing the flurry of activities at work to find and help needy people, it was as if my eyes were opened to see that this widow wasn't "needy" because I was her neighbor. I hadn't looked for someone in need, but she had come across my path and I just did what I saw, and was able, to do. It was very simple to do what needed to be done, and not at all hard.
As we go through this life, we sometimes come across people who need help that we are able to provide. When we see such, we are to help them ... not being like the priest or Levite. And we are to do this whenever these people come across our paths, not just once a year. Often these aren't big works, but very simple things that we see to do as we're going about our day. We just need to do those things. I believe this is what we see in the case of the Samaritan, and is proper order in the sight of God.
(Comments by Joan Boney ... Several years ago, a deacon in a Baptist Church came to me and said his church had taken up Christmas collection for the needy and he asked me if I knew any needy people. I replied, "If I knew any needy people they wouldn't be needy.")
=============================
Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
As I read about the Samaritan who helped the man who had been left half dead by thieves, it stood out to me that the injured man came across the Samaritan's path. As he journeyed, he saw the injured man, had compassion on him, and helped him. He hadn't set out to find someone to help, but when someone came across his path who genuinely needed help, he helped him. The injured man also came across the path of the priest and the Levite, but they did not help him, not loving their neighbor as themselves.
Before I retired, each year in late November and early December most people I worked with would look for "needy" people they could "help" by buying Christmas gifts for them. As I saw the various activities (finding "needy" people, collecting money, finding out what the needy people wanted, shopping, wrapping the gifts), it all seemed hard and wrong. I tried to stay as far away from these activities as I could, but was still aware of them. Sometimes I heard things that showed one of the fruits of what was being done was greed. Although these people were trying to do good, I believe these things were actually foolish and evil.
One year while these activities were going on at work, a widow who lives across the street asked me to drive her to have out-patient hand surgery. It was no problem for me to do this. Knowing it would probably be hard for her to cook for a day or two after the surgery, I also asked if she would like to come to my house to eat or I could bring food to her house. As I quietly went about doing these things, while at the same time seeing the flurry of activities at work to find and help needy people, it was as if my eyes were opened to see that this widow wasn't "needy" because I was her neighbor. I hadn't looked for someone in need, but she had come across my path and I just did what I saw, and was able, to do. It was very simple to do what needed to be done, and not at all hard.
As we go through this life, we sometimes come across people who need help that we are able to provide. When we see such, we are to help them ... not being like the priest or Levite. And we are to do this whenever these people come across our paths, not just once a year. Often these aren't big works, but very simple things that we see to do as we're going about our day. We just need to do those things. I believe this is what we see in the case of the Samaritan, and is proper order in the sight of God.
(Comments by Joan Boney ... Several years ago, a deacon in a Baptist Church came to me and said his church had taken up Christmas collection for the needy and he asked me if I knew any needy people. I replied, "If I knew any needy people they wouldn't be needy.")
=============================
Soldiers of Jesus Christ
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. II Tim. 2
Are we "soldiers"?
I thought of soldiers fighting wars.
Are we in a war?
Yes, we are, if we belong to Jesus Christ. As soldiers of Jesus Christ we fight a war against the world, against the way of the world. Therefore when we are with people living in ways of this world, we may have to speak, showing the way of God. We cannot afford to go along with the world as if we approve the ways of the world.
Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4
A "friend" is one who shows support and approval. Are we going to be a friend of this world? If so, we are the enemy of God.
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. II Tim. 2
Are we "soldiers"?
I thought of soldiers fighting wars.
Are we in a war?
Yes, we are, if we belong to Jesus Christ. As soldiers of Jesus Christ we fight a war against the world, against the way of the world. Therefore when we are with people living in ways of this world, we may have to speak, showing the way of God. We cannot afford to go along with the world as if we approve the ways of the world.
Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4
A "friend" is one who shows support and approval. Are we going to be a friend of this world? If so, we are the enemy of God.
Death trap for ministers
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Here is a real trap for ministers ... Wanting to go more places ... more, more more ...
A minister can get into so much trouble expanding. You begin with one radio station, then another, then another ... pretty soon the radio bills are enormous and your ego just wants more and more ... and unless God frees you it can pull you under. (Television is even worse.)
But I see this same trap with those who want so badly to cover all the villages in their area. Some even go into great physical danger to do this. (They better really establish that what they are doing is what God has told them and not just their own idea.)
Financially all this can be a death trap. And when the minister gets more than he can cover financially and is faced with paying for all those works, he often resorts to fleshly means to pay his bills ... putting pressure on people to give to him.
Instead, when you keep yourself under control and do what you can without pushing beyond that which is of God, then the need is provided by God. And when the work is of God the provision will be from God. There is such a difference between provision from God and provision by the flesh.
(See 6-5-12 ... "When God pays for the work ...)
God, by HIS Spirit, will reach all HE chooses. No one will be left out. God reached the apostle Paul without any human speaking to Paul. God will reach all HE chooses.
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Here is a real trap for ministers ... Wanting to go more places ... more, more more ...
A minister can get into so much trouble expanding. You begin with one radio station, then another, then another ... pretty soon the radio bills are enormous and your ego just wants more and more ... and unless God frees you it can pull you under. (Television is even worse.)
But I see this same trap with those who want so badly to cover all the villages in their area. Some even go into great physical danger to do this. (They better really establish that what they are doing is what God has told them and not just their own idea.)
Financially all this can be a death trap. And when the minister gets more than he can cover financially and is faced with paying for all those works, he often resorts to fleshly means to pay his bills ... putting pressure on people to give to him.
Instead, when you keep yourself under control and do what you can without pushing beyond that which is of God, then the need is provided by God. And when the work is of God the provision will be from God. There is such a difference between provision from God and provision by the flesh.
(See 6-5-12 ... "When God pays for the work ...)
God, by HIS Spirit, will reach all HE chooses. No one will be left out. God reached the apostle Paul without any human speaking to Paul. God will reach all HE chooses.
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New Covenant
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Heb. 10
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. I Jn. 2
From the time I was a child, I knew divorce/remarriage was "evil" ... I did not attend any church so I was not taught this by man. But I knew the truth. God put his "laws" into my heart and into my mind. God taught me this.
Along the way, I had many opportunities to go in a way where I would have been destroyed but I knew it was the wrong way. Again, God had put HIS laws into my heart and into my mind.
When I went into ministry and went briefly with an an agency, they wanted me to put "send me your prayer requests" on all written materials sent out to people. I was horrified. I said "NO ... I don't want to do that ... They are supposed to pray." My agent said, "You are missing a good bet. For when they send that prayer request they will usually put money in with the request." I said I wouldn't do that. (Most ministers do this and it is a way to great destruction for those ministers.)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mk. 8
Without having to think, I knew the answer because God had put HIS laws into my heart and had written HIS laws in my mind.
This is the New Covenant bought for us by the blood of Jesus Christ.
And we are kept by God along the way because we know the way and choose the way of God because we belong to God and have his laws written by God in our hearts and minds.
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This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Heb. 10
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. I Jn. 2
From the time I was a child, I knew divorce/remarriage was "evil" ... I did not attend any church so I was not taught this by man. But I knew the truth. God put his "laws" into my heart and into my mind. God taught me this.
Along the way, I had many opportunities to go in a way where I would have been destroyed but I knew it was the wrong way. Again, God had put HIS laws into my heart and into my mind.
When I went into ministry and went briefly with an an agency, they wanted me to put "send me your prayer requests" on all written materials sent out to people. I was horrified. I said "NO ... I don't want to do that ... They are supposed to pray." My agent said, "You are missing a good bet. For when they send that prayer request they will usually put money in with the request." I said I wouldn't do that. (Most ministers do this and it is a way to great destruction for those ministers.)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mk. 8
Without having to think, I knew the answer because God had put HIS laws into my heart and had written HIS laws in my mind.
This is the New Covenant bought for us by the blood of Jesus Christ.
And we are kept by God along the way because we know the way and choose the way of God because we belong to God and have his laws written by God in our hearts and minds.
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Thursday, June 28, 2012
When God has told you to do something ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Psalm 68:28 ... Thy God hath commanded thy strength ...
I thought about this. When God has told us to do something and we know it is God telling us, then our strength is in HIM and what HE has said to us.
I thought of the example of God telling them to go in and search out the land ... Numbers 13
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel:
So Moses did what God told him to do and sent men in to search out the land which God had given them.
When they returned, they brought the following report to Moses and to the children of God.
We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. 28Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 29The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. 30And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. Numbers 13
But the point is, God told them HE gave them this land. The circumstances did not matter at all. The important thing is, "Who said this land would be your land?"
So always for us, the important thing is WHO is telling us to do that thing. If it is God telling us by HIS Spirit then our strength will be of God. So we go forward focused on the fact that it was God who told us to do this thing. The circumstances do not matter at all if the direction to do it is from God. We will overcome by the simple fact that we know the activity or project is authored by God HIMSELF. And our strength will be God, not in ourselves.
I try not to do anything unless I'm sure God told me to do it. And when I am given something to do and am persuaded it is God telling me to do it, I usually do it quickly before the devil can reason me out of it.
But one very important point: I am usually starting from a neutral position. I'm not trying to do "great works" for God. If that is your goal, the devil (angel of light) may give you some really "great" projects to do for God, and you will be destroyed by your own desire to do great things for God. I'm not trying to do great things for God. I just try to remain motionless (doing nothing) until I am instructed to do something. And then I have to be fully persuaded the instruction is from God before I do it.
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Psalm 68:28 ... Thy God hath commanded thy strength ...
I thought about this. When God has told us to do something and we know it is God telling us, then our strength is in HIM and what HE has said to us.
I thought of the example of God telling them to go in and search out the land ... Numbers 13
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel:
So Moses did what God told him to do and sent men in to search out the land which God had given them.
When they returned, they brought the following report to Moses and to the children of God.
We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. 28Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 29The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. 30And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. Numbers 13
But the point is, God told them HE gave them this land. The circumstances did not matter at all. The important thing is, "Who said this land would be your land?"
So always for us, the important thing is WHO is telling us to do that thing. If it is God telling us by HIS Spirit then our strength will be of God. So we go forward focused on the fact that it was God who told us to do this thing. The circumstances do not matter at all if the direction to do it is from God. We will overcome by the simple fact that we know the activity or project is authored by God HIMSELF. And our strength will be God, not in ourselves.
I try not to do anything unless I'm sure God told me to do it. And when I am given something to do and am persuaded it is God telling me to do it, I usually do it quickly before the devil can reason me out of it.
But one very important point: I am usually starting from a neutral position. I'm not trying to do "great works" for God. If that is your goal, the devil (angel of light) may give you some really "great" projects to do for God, and you will be destroyed by your own desire to do great things for God. I'm not trying to do great things for God. I just try to remain motionless (doing nothing) until I am instructed to do something. And then I have to be fully persuaded the instruction is from God before I do it.
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Flattery
Pam Padgett ... teacher
While reading in Daniel 11, that flattery was used stood out to me ....
Daniel 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
Daniel 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
Flatter:
- Lavish insincere praise and compliments upon someone, especially to further one's own interests
- Give an unrealistically favorable impression of
- Make someone feel honored and pleased
When I looked in the Bible, each verse that had to do with flattery showed it to be evil or a danger. Here are a few things we're told ...
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Flattery builds up the flesh. We are especially in danger of being manipulated by those who flatter if we seek honor of any kind in the flesh. The honor we should seek is the honor that comes only from God. 44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (John 5)
In Daniel 11:32, we see that flattery corrupted those who did wickedly, but those who knew God were strong. Flattery is not founded in truth, but God is light. Those who walk in light, wanting and willing to see truth, are strong.
We may also be tempted to use flattery, especially for what we consider to be good. But Paul told us that he didn't use flattering words at any time ...
I Thess. 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
And we are given the following warning ...
Psalm 12:3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
When we consider what we're told in the Bible about flattery, we see how important it is to beware of receiving or giving flattery.
===============================
While reading in Daniel 11, that flattery was used stood out to me ....
Daniel 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
Daniel 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
Flatter:
- Lavish insincere praise and compliments upon someone, especially to further one's own interests
- Give an unrealistically favorable impression of
- Make someone feel honored and pleased
When I looked in the Bible, each verse that had to do with flattery showed it to be evil or a danger. Here are a few things we're told ...
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Flattery builds up the flesh. We are especially in danger of being manipulated by those who flatter if we seek honor of any kind in the flesh. The honor we should seek is the honor that comes only from God. 44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (John 5)
In Daniel 11:32, we see that flattery corrupted those who did wickedly, but those who knew God were strong. Flattery is not founded in truth, but God is light. Those who walk in light, wanting and willing to see truth, are strong.
We may also be tempted to use flattery, especially for what we consider to be good. But Paul told us that he didn't use flattering words at any time ...
I Thess. 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
And we are given the following warning ...
Psalm 12:3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
When we consider what we're told in the Bible about flattery, we see how important it is to beware of receiving or giving flattery.
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Godly anger
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Samuel 11 ... Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. 2And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. 3And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. 4Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.
5And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. 6And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
Saul gathered Israel and attacked the Ammonites and freed the men of Jabesh.
There is a time anger is godly.
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Mk. 11
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I Samuel 11 ... Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. 2And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. 3And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. 4Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.
5And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. 6And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
Saul gathered Israel and attacked the Ammonites and freed the men of Jabesh.
There is a time anger is godly.
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Mk. 11
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Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Keeping free from entanglements ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. II Tim. 2
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mk. 4
The above scriptures show two types of "Christians".
One type carefully guards his life so he can stay free to serve God. For if we allow ourselves to become entangled with the situations of this life, we bind ourselves with the entanglement. You can't "fight" the battles of God (the real war) if you are bound up with the projects and cares of this life. So that good soldier recognizes this and keeps free whenever possible.
Recently I decided to look into changing TV service. I felt I might be paying too much for my satellite system. But when I checked carefully, I found I would only save a very small amount by switching and the price would go up after a few months to that which I currently pay. But the greatest problem for me would be the disruption that would come if I had a person come into my house and install new equipment. If I did that, I would not be free to read the Bible. It would consume me in the secular project. I was so glad when I got the facts and decided not to do this project.
These entanglements keep us from serving God.
Comparing this to a "good soldier" ... The good soldier takes care not to be captured by the enemy. For he cannot serve in his army if the enemy ties him up. If he is bound hand and foot with ropes, he cannot be a good soldier. All these secular activities are like ropes that bind us. It can take days or even weeks for us to be restored after we get bound up.
The second type of person is that person who hears the word of God but all the projects eat him up. He makes wrong choice and chooses to follow flesh and do the projects or involve himself with people and he is consumed. Thus Jesus explained he cannot do the word of God because the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful
So it is very important for us to avoid unnecessary entanglements ...
Also when we are entangled with the affairs of this life, it sometimes takes weeks before we can be fully restored to the position we were in before we became entangled.
And we cannot hear properly from God nor can we do the work of God until we are completely restored.
The same thing happens when we allow ourselves to go into strife with another person. We cannot read the Bible properly nor hear from God nor do the work of God until everything has been worked through and we have come to a state of peace again where that person is concerned. It can take days or even weeks to be restored and in the meantime we cannot do the work of God. I hate this condition and I recognize it and I really try to avoid it whenever possible knowing it will stop the Holy Spirit and cripple me for days or weeks.
===========================
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. II Tim. 2
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mk. 4
The above scriptures show two types of "Christians".
One type carefully guards his life so he can stay free to serve God. For if we allow ourselves to become entangled with the situations of this life, we bind ourselves with the entanglement. You can't "fight" the battles of God (the real war) if you are bound up with the projects and cares of this life. So that good soldier recognizes this and keeps free whenever possible.
Recently I decided to look into changing TV service. I felt I might be paying too much for my satellite system. But when I checked carefully, I found I would only save a very small amount by switching and the price would go up after a few months to that which I currently pay. But the greatest problem for me would be the disruption that would come if I had a person come into my house and install new equipment. If I did that, I would not be free to read the Bible. It would consume me in the secular project. I was so glad when I got the facts and decided not to do this project.
These entanglements keep us from serving God.
Comparing this to a "good soldier" ... The good soldier takes care not to be captured by the enemy. For he cannot serve in his army if the enemy ties him up. If he is bound hand and foot with ropes, he cannot be a good soldier. All these secular activities are like ropes that bind us. It can take days or even weeks for us to be restored after we get bound up.
The second type of person is that person who hears the word of God but all the projects eat him up. He makes wrong choice and chooses to follow flesh and do the projects or involve himself with people and he is consumed. Thus Jesus explained he cannot do the word of God because the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful
So it is very important for us to avoid unnecessary entanglements ...
Also when we are entangled with the affairs of this life, it sometimes takes weeks before we can be fully restored to the position we were in before we became entangled.
And we cannot hear properly from God nor can we do the work of God until we are completely restored.
The same thing happens when we allow ourselves to go into strife with another person. We cannot read the Bible properly nor hear from God nor do the work of God until everything has been worked through and we have come to a state of peace again where that person is concerned. It can take days or even weeks to be restored and in the meantime we cannot do the work of God. I hate this condition and I recognize it and I really try to avoid it whenever possible knowing it will stop the Holy Spirit and cripple me for days or weeks.
===========================
Let no man deceive you
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Deut. 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
There are things God has not chosen to reveal to us, secret things that belong to Him. But God has revealed to us many things, so that we might do according to His will.
As I read of the secret things that belong to God, I was reminded of what Jesus told his disciples about His return ...
Mark 13: 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Although we don't know the day or hour of His return, Jesus revealed to us things that will happen before His return and instructed us in what to do when we see these things.
We are warned to take heed, pay attention, that we not be deceived (misled to believe what is not true) by the many who say "Jesus is Lord" but are not of God, not led by the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Although we hear of wars, we are not to be troubled, knowing that these wars will come, but don't mark the end.
Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
When we are "delivered up" for the sake of the Word of God, we are to trust the Holy Spirit to give us what we are to speak at the hour it is needed, rather than trying to plan it out for ourselves ahead of time.
Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Although we will be hated by all men because of the Word of God, we are to endure until the end.
Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: 15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
Although afflictions will be greater than at any other time, God has shortened the days for the elect's sake, so that the elect might be saved.
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
False Christs and prophets will rise up, trying to seduce and deceive the elect with signs and wonders and saying that Jesus is in various places. We are to remember that Jesus warned us of these things so that we won't believe them and won't follow after them.
Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Matthew 26:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
After that tribulation, there will be signs in heaven ... the sun and moon will be dark, the stars will fall, powers in heaven will be shaken ... then Jesus will come in the clouds with great power and glory, and the elect will be gathered together by the angels.
Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
(Comments by Joan Boney ... And Peter tells us how we should live while we wait for the return of Jesus ... Peter says: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
II Peter 3)
====================================
Deut. 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
There are things God has not chosen to reveal to us, secret things that belong to Him. But God has revealed to us many things, so that we might do according to His will.
As I read of the secret things that belong to God, I was reminded of what Jesus told his disciples about His return ...
Mark 13: 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Although we don't know the day or hour of His return, Jesus revealed to us things that will happen before His return and instructed us in what to do when we see these things.
We are warned to take heed, pay attention, that we not be deceived (misled to believe what is not true) by the many who say "Jesus is Lord" but are not of God, not led by the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Although we hear of wars, we are not to be troubled, knowing that these wars will come, but don't mark the end.
Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
When we are "delivered up" for the sake of the Word of God, we are to trust the Holy Spirit to give us what we are to speak at the hour it is needed, rather than trying to plan it out for ourselves ahead of time.
Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Although we will be hated by all men because of the Word of God, we are to endure until the end.
Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: 15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
Although afflictions will be greater than at any other time, God has shortened the days for the elect's sake, so that the elect might be saved.
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
False Christs and prophets will rise up, trying to seduce and deceive the elect with signs and wonders and saying that Jesus is in various places. We are to remember that Jesus warned us of these things so that we won't believe them and won't follow after them.
Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Matthew 26:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
After that tribulation, there will be signs in heaven ... the sun and moon will be dark, the stars will fall, powers in heaven will be shaken ... then Jesus will come in the clouds with great power and glory, and the elect will be gathered together by the angels.
Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
(Comments by Joan Boney ... And Peter tells us how we should live while we wait for the return of Jesus ... Peter says: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
II Peter 3)
====================================
Where is your focus?
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Cor. 4:17
Are you focusing today on the seen or on the unseen?
========================================================================
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Cor. 4:17
Are you focusing today on the seen or on the unseen?
========================================================================
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
When your son marries the wrong woman
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I have heard my cousin say, "My son married a woman who was not of my choice ..."
A man chooses to marry a woman. This may not be a "likeable" woman but this is the woman the man selected.
If this is the case in your life, the following can help you. When you focus on this you can free yourselves.
Genesis 2
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
The young man is supposed to leave his father and his mother and cleave to his wife. It is ordained by God this way. (You are not to be in competition with the young woman for the attention of her husband, your son. You must abstain from that.)
Jesus said ... Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Mt. 19
You abstain from doing anything that would drive a wedge between your son and his wife.
===================================
I have heard my cousin say, "My son married a woman who was not of my choice ..."
A man chooses to marry a woman. This may not be a "likeable" woman but this is the woman the man selected.
If this is the case in your life, the following can help you. When you focus on this you can free yourselves.
Genesis 2
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
The young man is supposed to leave his father and his mother and cleave to his wife. It is ordained by God this way. (You are not to be in competition with the young woman for the attention of her husband, your son. You must abstain from that.)
Jesus said ... Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Mt. 19
You abstain from doing anything that would drive a wedge between your son and his wife.
===================================
The poor
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. Mk. 14
Recently, I had the "revelation" that when Jesus said we have the poor with us always, HE did not say the ones in our church group would be poor.
It would be impossible for anyone who belongs to God and follows God to be poor ... or remain poor.
If you follow God, belong to God ... God will provide all your need. You could not be poor. (Phil. 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need. (Says Paul)
So if you are poor, this means you are trying to do things by your own wisdom or by the wisdom of other men or you are trying to live beyond your means to pay.
Poor means: to be deficient or lacking in ... (especially deficient or lacking in food and clothing)
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Psa. 34:9
God led the children of Israel out of Egypt ... 600,000 men plus women and children walking out of Egypt, walking through desert, for 40 years ... Where did they get water? How could they possibly have enough water? They couldn't ... except for the fact that God provided water for them. God made water come out of rocks so they and their animals could drink. Otherwise they would have died.
If you are living foolishly and spending money on foolishness and living beyond your means to pay for that which you owe and are saying, "God will provide," you are a fool.
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. Mk. 14
Recently, I had the "revelation" that when Jesus said we have the poor with us always, HE did not say the ones in our church group would be poor.
It would be impossible for anyone who belongs to God and follows God to be poor ... or remain poor.
If you follow God, belong to God ... God will provide all your need. You could not be poor. (Phil. 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need. (Says Paul)
So if you are poor, this means you are trying to do things by your own wisdom or by the wisdom of other men or you are trying to live beyond your means to pay.
Poor means: to be deficient or lacking in ... (especially deficient or lacking in food and clothing)
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Psa. 34:9
God led the children of Israel out of Egypt ... 600,000 men plus women and children walking out of Egypt, walking through desert, for 40 years ... Where did they get water? How could they possibly have enough water? They couldn't ... except for the fact that God provided water for them. God made water come out of rocks so they and their animals could drink. Otherwise they would have died.
If you are living foolishly and spending money on foolishness and living beyond your means to pay for that which you owe and are saying, "God will provide," you are a fool.
Man after God's own heart
Joseph Meriweather ... pastor
Last night I was thinking about when Samuel reproved Saul. Samuel said ...
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. I Samuel 13:14
I went to sleep thinking about this, and dreamed about telling a friend in the LORD, whom I once knew, how GOD had chosen David to be king, a man after his own heart.
I woke up out of this dream with it on my mind. David loved doing the will of the LORD and doing God's commandments. I, myself, must love the Lord and HIS commandments and do them. The LORD also can remove us from receiving His WORD if we do not obey, and that which God would have given us can then be given to someone who will obey His WORD.
Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
In Matthew 25 we are told about the servant who failed to use that which was given him by God ...
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
================================
Last night I was thinking about when Samuel reproved Saul. Samuel said ...
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. I Samuel 13:14
I went to sleep thinking about this, and dreamed about telling a friend in the LORD, whom I once knew, how GOD had chosen David to be king, a man after his own heart.
I woke up out of this dream with it on my mind. David loved doing the will of the LORD and doing God's commandments. I, myself, must love the Lord and HIS commandments and do them. The LORD also can remove us from receiving His WORD if we do not obey, and that which God would have given us can then be given to someone who will obey His WORD.
Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
In Matthew 25 we are told about the servant who failed to use that which was given him by God ...
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
================================
Creation shows God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Psalm 90:16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
Even before the earth existed, God was. HE created all things. We see the work of God in all creation. We glory in what HE has done. When it rains or snows or the winds blow, we see the work of God. When we see stars and moon and sun in the sky, we see the work of God. When a plant grows or we see a child or baby animal, we see the work of God.
Those of the world try to explain these things apart from God, but all of creation testifies of God and His power.
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
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Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
A few days ago, we had a severe hail storm. Hail can greatly damage roofs. But hail is from God. Knowing that hail is from God, I set aside thoughts concerning damage to my house. I was not troubled over what might happen to my roof. Hail is from God. I just focused on that.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Psalm 90:16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
Even before the earth existed, God was. HE created all things. We see the work of God in all creation. We glory in what HE has done. When it rains or snows or the winds blow, we see the work of God. When we see stars and moon and sun in the sky, we see the work of God. When a plant grows or we see a child or baby animal, we see the work of God.
Those of the world try to explain these things apart from God, but all of creation testifies of God and His power.
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
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Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
A few days ago, we had a severe hail storm. Hail can greatly damage roofs. But hail is from God. Knowing that hail is from God, I set aside thoughts concerning damage to my house. I was not troubled over what might happen to my roof. Hail is from God. I just focused on that.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Meditating in the Word of God
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1.
What does it mean to "meditate" in the Word of God? How do you do that?
To "meditate" means:
- to think deeply upon
- to focus mind upon
- consider what is being said, especially in regards to how the instruction applies to your life
God says:
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1
First let's look at this instruction:
Only be thou strong and very courageous, ...
First, I pray, asking God to help me to understand this instruction and how it applies to me for all understanding is from God and without HIM I can know nothing. It is God who opens our eyes and enables us to see as we need to see.
Then I begin to think of what it means to "be strong" ...
I might take a dictionary and look up the meaning of the word "strong" ...
- being able to withstand pressure
- not easily disturbed or upset
- showing determination, self-control and good judgment
- not easily affected by disease or hardship
- intense and firmly held belief in what you are doing
What we should see is we are going to need help to have the strength to do this. This requires us to spend much time thinking about the specific scripture at hand. The reason for meditating day and night in that word before you is so you will have the strength and power to do what it says. You have to put that specific word into your daily life. This requires much attention and usually change of habits. The only thing strong enough to enable you to do this is the constant focus on the instruction given in the specific word at hand.
Only be thou strong and very courageous, ...
"courageous"
- not stopped by danger, disapproval, or pain
- the ability to do that which frightens you
- strength in the face of pain or grief
- dealing effectively with something difficult
turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Do not compromise the instruction given you in the specific scripture at hand.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:
To have the strength needed to do the instruction, you must think about the instruction day and night. You must make appropriate changes as you see something to do. It may take days or weeks or months to put that instruction into your life.
I have one scripture I have been working on for the past 10 months. I think of this instruction often. And when I see something to do, I do it. Then I just keep reviewing that scripture. Bit by bit God is showing me how to change my life to fit that scripture.
This is what it means to "meditate" in the word of God.
But which scripture do we choose to focus on? If the Holy Spirit has reminded you of a scripture, that is where you begin. Or when you read the Bible, if a scripture stands out to you and you try to read past it but you keep being drawn back to that verse, God has a special message for you in that verse. So stop and look at that verse prayerfully, asking God to show you what you need to see. Sometimes it does help to look key words up in a dictionary. Often as you do this, you will be reminded of something in your life. Focus on that. God is able to communicate with us in a way which we can understand.
This is what we do daily ... seeking the will of God as we consider the word HE has spoken to us (dreams, scriptures) ... and also daily Bible reading, focusing on that which seems to stand out as we read.
=================================
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1.
What does it mean to "meditate" in the Word of God? How do you do that?
To "meditate" means:
- to think deeply upon
- to focus mind upon
- consider what is being said, especially in regards to how the instruction applies to your life
God says:
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1
First let's look at this instruction:
Only be thou strong and very courageous, ...
First, I pray, asking God to help me to understand this instruction and how it applies to me for all understanding is from God and without HIM I can know nothing. It is God who opens our eyes and enables us to see as we need to see.
Then I begin to think of what it means to "be strong" ...
I might take a dictionary and look up the meaning of the word "strong" ...
- being able to withstand pressure
- not easily disturbed or upset
- showing determination, self-control and good judgment
- not easily affected by disease or hardship
- intense and firmly held belief in what you are doing
What we should see is we are going to need help to have the strength to do this. This requires us to spend much time thinking about the specific scripture at hand. The reason for meditating day and night in that word before you is so you will have the strength and power to do what it says. You have to put that specific word into your daily life. This requires much attention and usually change of habits. The only thing strong enough to enable you to do this is the constant focus on the instruction given in the specific word at hand.
Only be thou strong and very courageous, ...
"courageous"
- not stopped by danger, disapproval, or pain
- the ability to do that which frightens you
- strength in the face of pain or grief
- dealing effectively with something difficult
turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Do not compromise the instruction given you in the specific scripture at hand.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:
To have the strength needed to do the instruction, you must think about the instruction day and night. You must make appropriate changes as you see something to do. It may take days or weeks or months to put that instruction into your life.
I have one scripture I have been working on for the past 10 months. I think of this instruction often. And when I see something to do, I do it. Then I just keep reviewing that scripture. Bit by bit God is showing me how to change my life to fit that scripture.
This is what it means to "meditate" in the word of God.
But which scripture do we choose to focus on? If the Holy Spirit has reminded you of a scripture, that is where you begin. Or when you read the Bible, if a scripture stands out to you and you try to read past it but you keep being drawn back to that verse, God has a special message for you in that verse. So stop and look at that verse prayerfully, asking God to show you what you need to see. Sometimes it does help to look key words up in a dictionary. Often as you do this, you will be reminded of something in your life. Focus on that. God is able to communicate with us in a way which we can understand.
This is what we do daily ... seeking the will of God as we consider the word HE has spoken to us (dreams, scriptures) ... and also daily Bible reading, focusing on that which seems to stand out as we read.
=================================
Evil men and seducers shall get worse and worse
Pam Padgett ... teacher
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Some people are openly evil. When we see these people blatantly lie, strike out in anger, show little regard for other people, the danger they pose is obvious and we try to stay out of their way, as much as possible.
Others are evil in a much more subtle way. These people try to seduce us to go in the way of harm or evil. Seducers show friendliness or caring, and then smoothly and gradually lead in the way of evil they, themselves, are going. Rather than seeming dangerous, our flesh is drawn to them. Their subtleness makes them very dangerous.
Seduce - lure or persuade others, using what is attractive or desirable, to abandon what is good and right and go toward what is harmful, wrong, or evil.
Both the openly evil and the seducers try to deceive others.
One way the openly evil deceive is by presenting themselves as having great power and trying to instill fear of this "power" if we don't go along with them. But, in truth, God is all powerful and will help those who love Him when we call on Him. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalm 91)
Seducers deceive by seeming friendly and non-threatening as they lead in the ways of evil. I'm reminded of 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6)
We are warned that both the openly evil and seducers will increase more and more, and will try to deceive us. We are warned so that we might stay alert and not be deceived. Instead of falling into these traps, we are to continue in ... to cling to ... what God has taught us ...
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Some people are openly evil. When we see these people blatantly lie, strike out in anger, show little regard for other people, the danger they pose is obvious and we try to stay out of their way, as much as possible.
Others are evil in a much more subtle way. These people try to seduce us to go in the way of harm or evil. Seducers show friendliness or caring, and then smoothly and gradually lead in the way of evil they, themselves, are going. Rather than seeming dangerous, our flesh is drawn to them. Their subtleness makes them very dangerous.
Seduce - lure or persuade others, using what is attractive or desirable, to abandon what is good and right and go toward what is harmful, wrong, or evil.
Both the openly evil and the seducers try to deceive others.
One way the openly evil deceive is by presenting themselves as having great power and trying to instill fear of this "power" if we don't go along with them. But, in truth, God is all powerful and will help those who love Him when we call on Him. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalm 91)
Seducers deceive by seeming friendly and non-threatening as they lead in the ways of evil. I'm reminded of 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6)
We are warned that both the openly evil and seducers will increase more and more, and will try to deceive us. We are warned so that we might stay alert and not be deceived. Instead of falling into these traps, we are to continue in ... to cling to ... what God has taught us ...
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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Sunday, June 24, 2012
Prosperity
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I was thinking about the scripture where Jesus said the poor would always be with us ... And then I realized Jesus did not say the poor would be with us in the church itself, provided the individual meditates in the Word of God day and night and does what God says, following the instruction of the Spirit of God.
Certainly not all who belong to God will actually follow God. Some things of God will just seem too hard even for those who are born again. Jesus said "few" would find the way of life. Mt. 7 Many will go in the way of destruction. But if you go in the way of life and really do the Word of God in the issues of this life, you will prosper in all that you do.
One of the most difficult things to do is to speak truth. We don't want to offend people. We don't want to hurt anyone. And the truth often offends and hurts. But it is by the truth we are delivered from our fleshly ways and from the wisdom of man. And the truth divides us from those who go in the way of man. But few will speak truth, especially when dealing with those in their own households. So few find the way of life. Mt. 7 and many go in the way of destruction.
-----------------
Concerning entering into prosperity ... consider these scriptures:
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psa. 37:25
Paul said: My God shall supply all your need. Phil. 4:19
If God supplies "all our need" we cannot be poor. There will be no need. There will be no "want". There will be no lack.
Very important keys to prosperity are as follows:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
(prosper means "turn out well" ... )
You may think of people who are "members of the church" who do not prosper.
I say that these persons are not really meditating in the Word of God and doing the Word of God for if you meditate in the Word of God day and night you will have the power to do the Word of God and if you do the Word of God you will prosper and have good success. But if you follow man and do the wisdom of the world you may seem to get ahead only to have a great fall. But there will be "no need" when you follow God and choose HIS way for HE will cause you to depart from the ways which hurt you and will lead you into plenty.
How do I know this is true? Because this is what the Bible says and I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and is true.
You will have no "need" ... This does not mean you will be rich in the sense of millionaires ... If you are seeking that you are following your own lusts rather than meditating day and night in the word of God.
Paul warns us:
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich (if your goal is to be rich you are in trouble) fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses I Tim. 6
But if your desire is to do the will of God on this earth and you meditate in HIS word to enable you to do the will of God and you follow HIS Spirit you will find everything you do will turn out well and you will have no need on this earth. This is key to prosperity. To take no thought for tomorrow but rather to seek the will of God each day in everything you do and meditate on that given you by the Spirit of God until you are strong enough to do it.
A warning: You cannot live beyond your means and have things turn out well. You must control your flesh. You will not prosper this way.
=================================
I was thinking about the scripture where Jesus said the poor would always be with us ... And then I realized Jesus did not say the poor would be with us in the church itself, provided the individual meditates in the Word of God day and night and does what God says, following the instruction of the Spirit of God.
Certainly not all who belong to God will actually follow God. Some things of God will just seem too hard even for those who are born again. Jesus said "few" would find the way of life. Mt. 7 Many will go in the way of destruction. But if you go in the way of life and really do the Word of God in the issues of this life, you will prosper in all that you do.
One of the most difficult things to do is to speak truth. We don't want to offend people. We don't want to hurt anyone. And the truth often offends and hurts. But it is by the truth we are delivered from our fleshly ways and from the wisdom of man. And the truth divides us from those who go in the way of man. But few will speak truth, especially when dealing with those in their own households. So few find the way of life. Mt. 7 and many go in the way of destruction.
-----------------
Concerning entering into prosperity ... consider these scriptures:
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psa. 37:25
Paul said: My God shall supply all your need. Phil. 4:19
If God supplies "all our need" we cannot be poor. There will be no need. There will be no "want". There will be no lack.
Very important keys to prosperity are as follows:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
(prosper means "turn out well" ... )
You may think of people who are "members of the church" who do not prosper.
I say that these persons are not really meditating in the Word of God and doing the Word of God for if you meditate in the Word of God day and night you will have the power to do the Word of God and if you do the Word of God you will prosper and have good success. But if you follow man and do the wisdom of the world you may seem to get ahead only to have a great fall. But there will be "no need" when you follow God and choose HIS way for HE will cause you to depart from the ways which hurt you and will lead you into plenty.
How do I know this is true? Because this is what the Bible says and I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and is true.
You will have no "need" ... This does not mean you will be rich in the sense of millionaires ... If you are seeking that you are following your own lusts rather than meditating day and night in the word of God.
Paul warns us:
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich (if your goal is to be rich you are in trouble) fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses I Tim. 6
But if your desire is to do the will of God on this earth and you meditate in HIS word to enable you to do the will of God and you follow HIS Spirit you will find everything you do will turn out well and you will have no need on this earth. This is key to prosperity. To take no thought for tomorrow but rather to seek the will of God each day in everything you do and meditate on that given you by the Spirit of God until you are strong enough to do it.
A warning: You cannot live beyond your means and have things turn out well. You must control your flesh. You will not prosper this way.
=================================
I love this story ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I Samuel 5 ... And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. 2When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 3And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.
4And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.
Then the problems really started for the Philistines ...
But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
7And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
8They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath.
So they sent the ark of God to Gath ...
(and in Gath) ...the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. 10Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron.
And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. 11So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 12And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
So the Philistines sent the ark of God back to Israel ...
I Samuel 7 ...
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
3And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
7And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
13So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines.
Concerning Jesus ... And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. Mt. 8
Amazing ... for you'd think they would beg Jesus to stay since they saw the great thing HE did in casting the terrible devils out of that poor tormented man.
But this is what I find: The people think they want God, but when they see the real works of God, they want no part of us who are instruments of God today. Most people want to create God in their own image. They want God to be as they imagine in their corrupt minds. For if they saw the real God, they would be ashamed and have to repent of their evil "good" works.
Jesus said ... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
=======================================================================
I Samuel 5 ... And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. 2When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 3And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.
4And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.
Then the problems really started for the Philistines ...
But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
7And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
8They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath.
So they sent the ark of God to Gath ...
(and in Gath) ...the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. 10Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron.
And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. 11So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 12And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
So the Philistines sent the ark of God back to Israel ...
I Samuel 7 ...
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
3And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.
5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
7And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
13So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines.
Concerning Jesus ... And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. Mt. 8
Amazing ... for you'd think they would beg Jesus to stay since they saw the great thing HE did in casting the terrible devils out of that poor tormented man.
But this is what I find: The people think they want God, but when they see the real works of God, they want no part of us who are instruments of God today. Most people want to create God in their own image. They want God to be as they imagine in their corrupt minds. For if they saw the real God, they would be ashamed and have to repent of their evil "good" works.
Jesus said ... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mt. 7
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Saturday, June 23, 2012
Following God ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
If "the Lord" is the one you are following ... if you are doing what HE instructs ... you will not be in a state of need.
If you are trying to get more things on this present earth and are living beyond your means, you have denied the scripture which says "having food and raiment therewith be content" (I Tim. 6) , and you have set about to bless yourself on this earth.
Following God is choosing to walk in HIS light.
Few will do this. Even among those who say, "Jesus is Lord", they prove Jesus is not their Lord as they do things opposite to the scriptures.
Jesus made himself of "no reputation". (Phil. 2 ... and Paul says for us to do same thing Jesus did.)
Are you trying to achieve something? Are you trying to gain respect of other humans? If so, you are going in the way of man rather than going in the way of God. If this is the way you have chosen for yourself, you set yourself up for much unnecessary trouble and you are not following God but are following the way of the world. Few will set aside their reputations to follow God. It can be answered by this: Is there anything you are trying to achieve in this life? If so, you are going in way of humans and not in way of God.
You will not fail if you choose the way of God. But it does not seem wise to go in the way of God. And the natural man cannot go that way because it is foolishness to him. (I Cor. 2)
We, who are born again, can go that way but we have to make deliberate attempt to do so.
So for most Christians, the Lord is not their shepherd. They are walking in their own wisdom and in the wisdom of other humans.
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Tim. 6
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2
================================
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
If "the Lord" is the one you are following ... if you are doing what HE instructs ... you will not be in a state of need.
If you are trying to get more things on this present earth and are living beyond your means, you have denied the scripture which says "having food and raiment therewith be content" (I Tim. 6) , and you have set about to bless yourself on this earth.
Following God is choosing to walk in HIS light.
Few will do this. Even among those who say, "Jesus is Lord", they prove Jesus is not their Lord as they do things opposite to the scriptures.
Jesus made himself of "no reputation". (Phil. 2 ... and Paul says for us to do same thing Jesus did.)
Are you trying to achieve something? Are you trying to gain respect of other humans? If so, you are going in the way of man rather than going in the way of God. If this is the way you have chosen for yourself, you set yourself up for much unnecessary trouble and you are not following God but are following the way of the world. Few will set aside their reputations to follow God. It can be answered by this: Is there anything you are trying to achieve in this life? If so, you are going in way of humans and not in way of God.
You will not fail if you choose the way of God. But it does not seem wise to go in the way of God. And the natural man cannot go that way because it is foolishness to him. (I Cor. 2)
We, who are born again, can go that way but we have to make deliberate attempt to do so.
So for most Christians, the Lord is not their shepherd. They are walking in their own wisdom and in the wisdom of other humans.
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Tim. 6
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2
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Contending for faith ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Recently I received email from a woman who told me she was so happy to find me. She said she had hunted me for 30 years. She had apparently listened to me on radio in the 1980-82 period and she said one of her friends at that time gave her one of my "newsletters" which I distributed.
Then she went on to tell me the horrible condition she is in today ... She gave all her money away. She has cancer. She lives with a man who is psychotic. On and on ... terrible.
By the time I finished reading how horrible things are in her life, I found I was wondering if things of God were really real or had we just imagined these things of God caring for us.
I went back to the Bible to see again what God says about HIS care and provision.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1
This sets forth 2 paths. A person can walk in the wisdom of the people ... or a person can meditate day and night in the Holy Scriptures and choose to go that way.
There is no way this woman could have been walking in the way of the Lord for the past 30 years. She had to be following man to have ended up in her terrible condition.
But after reading her letter, I certainly had to contend for faith.
And often as we encounter events of this world or people of this world our faith is shaken and our faith must be restablished. It is like being in an accident. We have to be restored.
It is best not to put ourselves in the path of sinners. It is best not to read such emails as this womans. It is best not to sit and listen to the talk of the ungodly.
But if we do enter into their path, then we must be restored in the faith.
After this happened to me, I spent most of the day in bed. I prayed. Then I would read the Bible. Then I would sleep. God restores our soul ... we must make an effort to rest in HIM. And we make an effort to believe God's word as truth. Often we simply choose to believe the Holy Scriptures.
Again, it is better not to put ourselves into the path of the people who fail to follow God.
Paul warned us:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
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Recently I received email from a woman who told me she was so happy to find me. She said she had hunted me for 30 years. She had apparently listened to me on radio in the 1980-82 period and she said one of her friends at that time gave her one of my "newsletters" which I distributed.
Then she went on to tell me the horrible condition she is in today ... She gave all her money away. She has cancer. She lives with a man who is psychotic. On and on ... terrible.
By the time I finished reading how horrible things are in her life, I found I was wondering if things of God were really real or had we just imagined these things of God caring for us.
I went back to the Bible to see again what God says about HIS care and provision.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1
This sets forth 2 paths. A person can walk in the wisdom of the people ... or a person can meditate day and night in the Holy Scriptures and choose to go that way.
There is no way this woman could have been walking in the way of the Lord for the past 30 years. She had to be following man to have ended up in her terrible condition.
But after reading her letter, I certainly had to contend for faith.
And often as we encounter events of this world or people of this world our faith is shaken and our faith must be restablished. It is like being in an accident. We have to be restored.
It is best not to put ourselves in the path of sinners. It is best not to read such emails as this womans. It is best not to sit and listen to the talk of the ungodly.
But if we do enter into their path, then we must be restored in the faith.
After this happened to me, I spent most of the day in bed. I prayed. Then I would read the Bible. Then I would sleep. God restores our soul ... we must make an effort to rest in HIM. And we make an effort to believe God's word as truth. Often we simply choose to believe the Holy Scriptures.
Again, it is better not to put ourselves into the path of the people who fail to follow God.
Paul warned us:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3
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Strength in God
Pam Padgett ... teacher
Psalm 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; ...
In all situations, we are blessed if God is our strength.
Sometimes we feel very weak, and maybe even fearful or full of despair, realizing that we don't know what to do in a matter or can't do what we think needs to be done. We are blessed when we turn to God, depending on Him to help us. As God helps us, and we go in the way He leads us, we are strengthened. But our strength isn't of ourselves, it is of God.
Other times we think we know, and can do, exactly what needs to be done. In this, as well, we are blessed when we turn to God about the matter, depending on Him rather than moving forward in our own wisdom and strength. We might think we know what is needed, but God knows everything about the matter and the best way to handle it.
David is a strong example of turning to God, not assuming he knew what to do and also depending on God when fears came. Here is an example ...
1 Samuel 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. 2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
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Psalm 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; ...
In all situations, we are blessed if God is our strength.
Sometimes we feel very weak, and maybe even fearful or full of despair, realizing that we don't know what to do in a matter or can't do what we think needs to be done. We are blessed when we turn to God, depending on Him to help us. As God helps us, and we go in the way He leads us, we are strengthened. But our strength isn't of ourselves, it is of God.
Other times we think we know, and can do, exactly what needs to be done. In this, as well, we are blessed when we turn to God about the matter, depending on Him rather than moving forward in our own wisdom and strength. We might think we know what is needed, but God knows everything about the matter and the best way to handle it.
David is a strong example of turning to God, not assuming he knew what to do and also depending on God when fears came. Here is an example ...
1 Samuel 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. 2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
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Word is a lamp
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psa. 119:105
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Mt. 25
The foolish failed to keep oil in lamps ... Oil is word of God, daily reading Word of God, paying close attention to that part of the Word that the Holy Spirit speaks (that part of the word illuminated to you) ... then daily applying Word of God by doing it.
faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2
Abraham is given to us as an example of a man having faith in God.
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; Gen 12
First, God spoke to Abram and told him what to do. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
You can't have real faith unless first God speaks to you by HIS Spirit. Faith must be based on what God has spoken to you by HIS Spirit.
You can't just build on that which you read with your flesh even if what you read is a scripture. Jesus said the following of the Pharisees ... 39 (You) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Jn. 5
Faith starts with the Holy Spirit speaking to us. After we are persuaded it is God speaking by His Spirit, then we apply that Word to our lives in an appropriate manner.
You cannot have "faith" based on what you think or on hunting a scripture to prove your own desire or your own thoughts.
Faith comes by first hearing what God says to you personally by His Spirit about the issue at hand. Then after you establish it was God speaking, you must act on the word given you, taking appropriate action in your life. Then after all is done, share the example with others because: That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon verse 5
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Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psa. 119:105
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Mt. 25
The foolish failed to keep oil in lamps ... Oil is word of God, daily reading Word of God, paying close attention to that part of the Word that the Holy Spirit speaks (that part of the word illuminated to you) ... then daily applying Word of God by doing it.
faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2
Abraham is given to us as an example of a man having faith in God.
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; Gen 12
First, God spoke to Abram and told him what to do. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
You can't have real faith unless first God speaks to you by HIS Spirit. Faith must be based on what God has spoken to you by HIS Spirit.
You can't just build on that which you read with your flesh even if what you read is a scripture. Jesus said the following of the Pharisees ... 39 (You) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Jn. 5
Faith starts with the Holy Spirit speaking to us. After we are persuaded it is God speaking by His Spirit, then we apply that Word to our lives in an appropriate manner.
You cannot have "faith" based on what you think or on hunting a scripture to prove your own desire or your own thoughts.
Faith comes by first hearing what God says to you personally by His Spirit about the issue at hand. Then after you establish it was God speaking, you must act on the word given you, taking appropriate action in your life. Then after all is done, share the example with others because: That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon verse 5
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Friday, June 22, 2012
Jesus' kingdom is not of this present world ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Jesus said ... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, Jn. 18
Some people say they are trying to make the world a better place. This is opposite to what we read in Bible.
Paul says ... evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
II Tim. 3
This present world shall be destroyed and all the works will be dissolved in the fire. That is the ordained end for this present world.
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. II Peter 3
The main goal for each of us should be to take care for ourselves that we are doing things as God wills while we live on this present earth. If we do that, everything else will fall into place around us.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12
We renew our mind to the will and way of God through prayer and Bible reading. The world would have us be created in it's image, in what seems right to humans. But our goal is to continually recreate our minds as to what is right in the sight of God concerning the matter at hand.
Some truths we already know because we know the Holy Scriptures. The world will not be better but worse. The heavens and earth and all the works of man will be destroyed. That which remains forever is the Word of God. So we focus on that which will continue, not fighting windmills.
and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb. 11
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Jesus said ... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, Jn. 18
Some people say they are trying to make the world a better place. This is opposite to what we read in Bible.
Paul says ... evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
II Tim. 3
This present world shall be destroyed and all the works will be dissolved in the fire. That is the ordained end for this present world.
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. II Peter 3
The main goal for each of us should be to take care for ourselves that we are doing things as God wills while we live on this present earth. If we do that, everything else will fall into place around us.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12
We renew our mind to the will and way of God through prayer and Bible reading. The world would have us be created in it's image, in what seems right to humans. But our goal is to continually recreate our minds as to what is right in the sight of God concerning the matter at hand.
Some truths we already know because we know the Holy Scriptures. The world will not be better but worse. The heavens and earth and all the works of man will be destroyed. That which remains forever is the Word of God. So we focus on that which will continue, not fighting windmills.
and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb. 11
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Prospering by doing what God tells us ...
Pam Padgett ... teacher
In Luke 5, Jesus told Simon Peter to take the ship out from shore to where the water was deep and let down their nets to get a catch of fish. Even though this seemed futile to Simon Peter since they hadn't caught anything the entire previous night, he did it because Jesus told him to do it.
Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
As a result of obeying what Jesus told Simon Peter to do, they caught so many fish that both ships were filled to the point of sinking.
Sometimes the instruction we believe we've heard from God doesn't make sense to us, or the devil comes trying to steal the instruction saying that we don't really need to do "that". We should turn to God with our concerns and questions. If after doing this we establish the instruction is from God, we need to do it. When the instruction is from God, He will to accomplish His purpose in that instruction.
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In Luke 5, Jesus told Simon Peter to take the ship out from shore to where the water was deep and let down their nets to get a catch of fish. Even though this seemed futile to Simon Peter since they hadn't caught anything the entire previous night, he did it because Jesus told him to do it.
Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
As a result of obeying what Jesus told Simon Peter to do, they caught so many fish that both ships were filled to the point of sinking.
Sometimes the instruction we believe we've heard from God doesn't make sense to us, or the devil comes trying to steal the instruction saying that we don't really need to do "that". We should turn to God with our concerns and questions. If after doing this we establish the instruction is from God, we need to do it. When the instruction is from God, He will to accomplish His purpose in that instruction.
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God saves us from our own flesh ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Psa. 17:4
There was a woman that I was very drawn to as one would be drawn to a daughter. But every time I felt drawn toward her, God would give me a dream which turned me away from her. When I read above scripture I thought of this. Sometimes our flesh can be soft toward an individual but we see that person doing evil and when this is the case and we know what is good, we should turn from "the path of the destroyer."
In other cases, we don't know the evil that person is doing but God shows us HIS view in a dream. We have to choose to believe God's view rather than that which our own flesh would like to believe. We have to side with God. Otherwise we will be in the path of the destroyer.
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Psa. 17:4
There was a woman that I was very drawn to as one would be drawn to a daughter. But every time I felt drawn toward her, God would give me a dream which turned me away from her. When I read above scripture I thought of this. Sometimes our flesh can be soft toward an individual but we see that person doing evil and when this is the case and we know what is good, we should turn from "the path of the destroyer."
In other cases, we don't know the evil that person is doing but God shows us HIS view in a dream. We have to choose to believe God's view rather than that which our own flesh would like to believe. We have to side with God. Otherwise we will be in the path of the destroyer.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Taking thoughts captive ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Cor. 10
We do the above scripture by taking troublesome thoughts to God in prayer. Often after we pray, God will remind us of a scripture to fight the troublesome thought.
We have a choice to believe ... We purpose to believe the scripture.
My God will supply all your need ... Phil. 4:19
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want ... Psa. 23.
The important thing is to pray, taking the troubling thought to God in prayer. And after you pray, if you are reminded of something, focus on that for it is the "antidote" to the poison of the troubling thought. If you focus on the truth sent by God and choose to believe what God sent, you will overcome. This is what is meant by the scripture in II Cor.10
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For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; II Cor. 10
We do the above scripture by taking troublesome thoughts to God in prayer. Often after we pray, God will remind us of a scripture to fight the troublesome thought.
We have a choice to believe ... We purpose to believe the scripture.
My God will supply all your need ... Phil. 4:19
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want ... Psa. 23.
The important thing is to pray, taking the troubling thought to God in prayer. And after you pray, if you are reminded of something, focus on that for it is the "antidote" to the poison of the troubling thought. If you focus on the truth sent by God and choose to believe what God sent, you will overcome. This is what is meant by the scripture in II Cor.10
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God prepares a table in midst of our enemies ...
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
I was telling Pam how recently I was very disturbed over some emails and a phone call and how God gave me one scripture after another to help me. There were so many scriptures I had to get note pad and write them down since I wanted to write about it and didn't want any to slip away from me.
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.I Tim. 5
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Deut. 28
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col. 3
Pam said this reminded her of the following:
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Psa. 23:5
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I was telling Pam how recently I was very disturbed over some emails and a phone call and how God gave me one scripture after another to help me. There were so many scriptures I had to get note pad and write them down since I wanted to write about it and didn't want any to slip away from me.
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.I Tim. 5
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa. 1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa. 23:1
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Deut. 28
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col. 3
Pam said this reminded her of the following:
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Psa. 23:5
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